The facility has become a social haven for the borough’s youngsters, where all ages can take part in pool competitions, learn how to become a DJ, or catch up with friends at the coffee bar.

Since opening its doors the Arch Road centre has expanded to include a computer room, a Djing suite and a young parents group.

And last month, Hersham Youth Trust won permission to give the building a new roof — ensuring it serve the community for the next 40 years. Now they are trying to raise the £20,000 needed to get the job done.

Lead youth worker Lisa Adams told the News & Mail about the progress that has been made. “The centre has been absolutely brilliant, far more than we ever hoped for,’’ she said. “When you are starting something new you never know how it’s going to work out but we have lots of new members and new activities.’’

Opening times at the centre have changed to accommodate the increasing number of youngsters visiting the site. Thursday nights are for 11 to 14-yea- olds while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are dedicated to 14 plus.

Youngsters can play pool, watch TV and videos and play the latest Playstation games. They are offered food and drink, can mix their own music or use the facilities in the computer suite.

Lisa said one of the many things that has contributed to the success of the centre is the fact that everything is free.

“This certainly has helped because where the centre is situated is classed as a deprived area and we serve three large council estates so not everyone has large pots of money,’’ she said.

“The RC Sherriff Rosebriars Trust opened its recording studio in the summer and everyone absolutely loves it. All age groups join in and many of them have picked up skills in DJing and mixing decks.

“The most popular thing though is the coffee bar which provides hot food, drinks and snacks — some young people don’t always get a hot meal at home.

“The coffee bar is run by a great group of volunteers who range in age from 19 to mid-70’s so young and retired work together. Everyone loves them.’’

The two pool tables are at the heart of activity at the centre with the teenagers often organising tournaments among themselves.

The emphasis of the club is to have fun but they also concentrate on serious aspects such as social and educational projects. Lisa said: “We carry out projects such as sexual health education and drugs awareness alongside all the other activities. It is there for kids to join in if they want.’’

As well as the regular activities the centre has also organised discos and events to mark Hallowe’en and bonfire night and will be holding a forthcoming Valentine’s fundraising event.

They have set up a young parent’s group at which mums and dads can get together on Mondays from 10am to noon.

As for plans for the future the centre is planning a number of ventures, including searching for sponsors so the Internet can be installed.

The trust is also looking at a homework club where the Internet will be integral to studies and a breakfast club so children can get a hot meal on the way to school.

Lisa said: “We have proved there is a need for the centre in the area and it has been brilliant for the community.

“They are all great kids and have kept the centre in as good a condition as when we started – there is not a mark on the building.

“I have been doing this sort of work for 11 years and I love it. I get an amazing sense of purpose and satisfaction and it is even better now the new centre has come along.’’

The centre will be holding a celebration disco for 14 years plus on Friday evening.

Entry is £2 in advance, £3 on the door, with proceeds towards an air hockey table.